In a bid to address the alarming dropout rate of female students in Namwera -Mangochi District, Needed Action for Community Care and Development (NACC) embarked on an innovative initiative by establishing Girls' Corners in primary and secondary schools. The girls’ corners aimed to provide a safe space for girls to discuss their challenges, receive mentorship, and develop essential life skills. Masongola zone is one of the zones that has notable changes.
In a bid to address the alarming dropout rate of female students in Namwera -Mangochi District, Needed Action for Community Care and Development (NACC) embarked on an innovative initiative by establishing Girls' Corners in primary and secondary schools. The girls’ corners aimed to provide a safe space for girls to discuss their challenges, receive mentorship, and develop essential life skills. Masongola zone is one of the zones that has notable changes.
The initiative, spearheaded by Programs Officer Robert Mtwiche, brought together stakeholders from Mother Support Groups, primary and secondary school management, and NACC. Through collaborative efforts, they identified reachable and approachable female teachers to serve as matrons for the Girls' Corners both at primary and secondary school. These matrons received training on how to run the Girls' Corners, focusing on issues such as adolescent development, abuse, and academic excellence.
The impact of the Girls' Corners has been remarkable. At Mama Khadija Primary School for instance, the number of girls dropping out has significantly decreased. Sumaa Saida (not her real name), a Standard 7 student, credits the Girls' Corner for her decision to return to school after staying home because of lack of examination fees.
"I learned different things at Girls' Corner, such as how to be independent, avoid early marriage and sexual relationships, and take care of my hygiene. These lessons encouraged me to work hard and pursue my dreams of being a doctor in the future”. Saidi said.
Saujatu Mamadi (not her real name), another Standard 7 student at Mama Khadija Primary School, also benefited from the Girls' Corner. She had dropped out due to lack of exercise books, but with the support of the Girls' Corner advices she returned to school and now balances her studies with part-time work the same as Saidi.
Alinafe Mpoola, a matron at Mama Khadija primary school Girls' Corners, notes that the initiative has led to improved academic performance among girls.
"We encourage our girls to report any abuse and take action accordingly. The Girls' Corner has created a safe space for girls to share their concerns and receive guidance. “Mpoola said.
Selina Mustafa, a Standard 7 student at Masongola 1 Primary School, attributes her improved academic performance to the Girls' Corner as well.
"Before joining the Girls' Corner, I wasn't doing well in school. But after joining, I started performing better, especially in English. I scored 98% and 91% in Standard 6 and Standard 7, respectively”. Mustafa said.
Mustafa added that she has maintained her position as number 1 in class.
Stella Pota, Deputy Head Teacher at Masongola 1 Primary School, expresses gratitude to NACC for establishing the Girls' Corner.
"The initiative has had a positive impact on our girls. We encourage them to work hard and report any abuse. The training provided by NACC has empowered our matrons to effectively mentor and support our girls. “Pota said
"The establishment of Girls' Corners in Masongola Zone has yielded promising results, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges faced by female students. As NACC continues to support and expand this initiative, it is clear that the future of these young girls is brighter than ever as the number of girls’ enrollment has now balanced with that of male students" Mtwiche remarked.
Mtwiche added that statistically now a total number of more than 15 girls are being selected to district secondary school others to national secondary school each year; which was not the case before girls’ corners’ establishment